20 Facts About Sass And Bide

The Origins of Sass & Bide

Sass & Bide is a name synonymous with bold, eclectic fashion. Let's dive into the fascinating journey of this iconic Australian label.

1. Founding: Sass & Bide was founded in the late 1990s by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton. The duo first met in 1992 while in secondary school in Brisbane, Queensland.

2. Initial Success: Clarke and Middleton initially sold customized jeans at a stall on London's Portobello Road Market. Their love of vintage clothing and markets motivated them to modify jeans to meet their own tastes in fashion.

3. London to Sydney: After their initial success in the markets, Clarke and Middleton returned to Australia in 1999. They based themselves in Sydney and developed an underground following that led to their first seasonal collection at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in 2001.

Celebrity Endorsements and Fashion Shows

Celebrity endorsements and high-profile fashion shows played a pivotal role in Sass & Bide's rise to fame.

4. Celebrity Endorsement: In 2002, Clarke and Middleton were in Manhattan where Sarah Jessica Parker was filming a scene for Sex and the City. Clarke was wearing a self-styled denim jacket, which she handed to a security guard who gave it to Parker. The next day, Clarke and Middleton were invited to Parker's trailer to show their designs. Parker later commissioned them to make a few one-off pieces for Sex and the City, propelling the label's growth in the international marketplace.

5. Fashion Shows: Sass & Bide has showcased its collections at various prestigious fashion weeks. They first showed at London Fashion Week in 2002 and then at New York Fashion Week from 2003 to 2009, before returning to London Fashion Week in 2009.

Business Moves and Investments

Strategic business decisions and investments have shaped the brand's trajectory over the years.

6. Sale of Business: In 2003, Clarke and Middleton sold 50% of Sass & Bide to Daniel Besen and David Briskin, the former owners of the Mimco accessories chain. Briskin took up the role as chief executive, while Clarke and Middleton retained design control.

7. Myer Investment: In early 2011, Myer purchased a 65% stake in Sass & Bide for A$42.25 million. This investment further solidified the brand's position in the fashion industry. Myer later purchased the remaining 35% of the business in October 2013, making it the sole shareholder.

8. Creative Directors: Despite the change in ownership, Clarke and Middleton remained closely involved with the creative direction of the label. Middleton continued as the creative director, while Clarke remained as the brand director until June 2014 when they left the brand altogether.

Wealth and Recognition

The founders' success translated into significant wealth and recognition.

9. Wealth: Clarke and Middleton first appeared on the BRW Young Rich List in 2006 with a combined wealth assessed at A$30 million. They continued to appear on the list until 2009 when their combined wealth was estimated at A$36 million. They did not appear on the list in 2010 but returned in 2011 with an estimated combined net wealth of A$26 million.

Design Philosophy and Inspirations

Sass & Bide's design philosophy and inspirations set them apart in the fashion world.

10. Design Philosophy: The Sass & Bide woman is described as free-spirited, quirky, and playful. She loves to dress up and put together outfits in a unique way. The label emphasizes individuality and creativity in fashion, often incorporating art and cultural influences into its designs.

11. Prints and Embellishments: Sass & Bide places a significant emphasis on print design and embellishments. The label has a team of print designers who create all its prints and embellishments, ensuring that each piece has a handcrafted touch.

12. Resort 2018 Collection: The Resort 2018 collection was inspired by Barcelona and the iconic Casa Batllo designed by Antoni Gaudi. The collection featured recycled tile and glass mosaics, dragon roofs, and minimal interior designs. The energy of Barcelona, especially at night, was a key inspiration for this collection.

13. Accessories: The Resort 2018 collection included a range of accessories that focused on metalwork and craftsmanship. The jewelry featured bold, mismatched statement pieces and layered bracelets, adding a fierce touch to the outfits.

Global Reach and Celebrity Following

Sass & Bide's global reach and celebrity following have cemented its place in the fashion industry.

14. Flagship Store: In 2013, Sass & Bide opened its first flagship store in New York, marking a significant milestone in the brand's international expansion.

15. Global Reach: Today, Sass & Bide is stocked in over 20 countries and available at premium boutiques and exclusive department stores worldwide. The brand's global presence is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility.

16. Celebrity Following: Sass & Bide has been favored by numerous celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Beyoncé, Nicole Richie, and Mila Kunis. This celebrity endorsement has significantly contributed to the brand's popularity and global recognition.

Collaborations and Artistic Influences

Collaborations and artistic influences have played a crucial role in shaping Sass & Bide's unique style.

17. Denim Range for TopShop: In 2008, Sass & Bide designed a denim range for TopShop, a British store equivalent to Sportsgirl but on a much grander scale. This collaboration further solidified the brand's reputation in the international fashion market.

18. Artistic Influences: Sass & Bide draws inspiration from various artistic and cultural influences. The label's designs often reflect architectural shapes, recycled materials, and diverse cultural elements, making each piece unique and meaningful.

Strategic Success and Legacy

The strategic success and legacy of Sass & Bide continue to inspire new generations of fashion enthusiasts.

19. Strategic Success: Clarke and Middleton attribute their success to several key strategies. These include thinking big, being curious, being adaptable, following their instincts, and continuing to learn every day. These principles have guided the brand's growth and innovation over the years.

20. Legacy: Despite the changes in ownership and leadership, Sass & Bide remains an iconic Australian fashion label with a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of fashion enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to creativity, individuality, and artistic expression has cemented its place in the world of fashion.

The Legacy of Sass & Bide

Sass & Bide's journey from a humble market stall to a global fashion powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring. Founded by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, the brand has consistently pushed fashion boundaries with its unique designs and creative vision. Celebrity endorsements from icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyoncé have only amplified its appeal. Despite changes in ownership, the label's commitment to individuality and artistic expression remains unwavering. With a presence in over 20 countries, Sass & Bide continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity, hard work, and staying true to one's vision. As they move forward, the legacy of Sass & Bide will undoubtedly inspire future generations in the fashion industry.